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History
RL branched off from RU because RU (up until 1988) had strict rules against professionalism. The amateurism of RU was a contributing factor to why it is more widespread than RL, as more people embraced the sport at the collegiate level. Traditionally, RL is viewed as a working class sport, whereas RU is more upper-middle class (especially in the UK and Oz).
The main differences between RU/RL and American football is that you are only allowed to move the ball laterally (no forward passes) and no form of blocking is allowed.
Players on the field
RU: 15 players, RL: 13 players. Similar positions excepted RU has two extra forwards who are analogous to OL in the NFL.
Style of play
RL - scrimmaging is similar to American Football (with exception of the above-stated) and teams have 6 downs (called "tackles") to score or to obtain better field position. Unlike American Football the amount of downs cannot be refreshed (unless the defensive team member somehow touches the ball). As a result of these gameplay mechanics, the standard of tackling and 'hitting' in RL is superior to RU. (I personally view the standard of tackling in RL to be superior to the NFL). Play is much faster than both RU and the NFL.
RU -In theory an offensive team has an unlimited number of "downs" -- every time a player is tackled he must immediately release the ball behind him and another offensive player must pick it. Opposing players are allowed to contest possession during this phase (called the "ruck and maul"), but only with their feet. As a result of incomprehensible nature of the rules associated with this phase, the play inevitably breaks down and an infringement is incurred by one side or another. It's as boring as it sounds. Teams that are overmatched by their opponents typically punt the ball upfield at every opportunity, which is equally as tedious.
Points system
RL : touchdown ("try") = 4 pts, conversion = 2 pts, Penalty goal = 2 pts, Field goal = 1 pt.
RU: Try= 5 pts, Conversion= 2 pts, Penalty goal = 3 pts, Field goal = 3.
(Penalty goal = when a team is award a penalty they have the option of attempting an uncontested field goal)
The points system and gameplay mechanics of RU encourages teams not to move the ball to score "tries" but attempt to obtain penalties from the referee or move the ball slowly upfield without taking risks of losing possession. IMO, this is among RU's biggest flaws. In the World Cup Final depicted in Invictus there were no tries scored -- can you image a Super Bowl where neither team scored a touchdown (has that ever happened?). This sort of thing happens pretty often.
Competition
RU - Is primarily played at an international level. Club RU, although steady gaining in popularity since the advent of professionalism in 1988, is a distant second. A possible exception to this is in France, where there are equally fanatical about club rugby as they are when their national team plays.
RL - competition are primary club/franchise based. The two premier competitions globally are NRL (Australia), Super League (UK). International RL is pretty much dominated by three teams (Oz, Nz and UK) and for that reason is generally uninteresting.
The most elite form of RL competition is the State of Origin series played in Oz. It's basically an All-Star Game (best of 3 series) - players are selected on the basis of the State they first played RL in, New South Wales or Queensland (no other States in Oz play RL, or RU for that matter). The quirk is that players sometimes face their club team-mates as opponents. Also unlike ASGs the games are fiercely competitive and players generally rise to a higher standard.
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